Mini Gnome Cheesecakes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Crust
01 -
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 -
3 tablespoons melted butter
03 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Cheesecake Filling
04 -
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
05 -
½ cup granulated sugar
06 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 -
2 large eggs
08 -
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
→ Decoration
09 -
Fresh strawberries (1 per cheesecake)
10 -
Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
11 -
Mini white chocolate chips or small candy pearls (for noses)
12 -
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or silicone molds for easy removal.
02 -
Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until mixture resembles wet sand. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each liner, pressing firmly to form an even base. Bake for 5 minutes, then cool slightly.
03 -
Beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth (2–3 minutes). Add granulated sugar and blend until fluffy. Incorporate vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Finally, blend in sour cream or Greek yogurt carefully to maintain a smooth texture.
04 -
Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full with cheesecake batter. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 18–20 minutes until centers are just set with slight jiggle. Cool in oven with door ajar for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until firm.
05 -
Wash and hull strawberries, trimming tops flat. Remove chilled cheesecakes from liners. Top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream to create a beard. Position a strawberry upside down on the whipped cream as the gnome’s hat. Add a small whipped cream dot on the strawberry tip and place a mini white chocolate chip or candy pearl beneath as the nose.
06 -
Lightly dust powdered sugar over the decorated cheesecakes for a snowy effect. Arrange on a festive platter for presentation.
# Notes:
01 -
Avoid overmixing after eggs are added to prevent cracking during baking.
02 -
Using a mini cheesecake pan with removable bottoms can provide a cleaner presentation.
03 -
A piping bag fitted with a small round or star tip allows for precise whipped cream decoration.